Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

5 daysfrom 1495 USD

The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is the most popular route of Kilimanjaro. The trail network and the accommodations are basic; wind-protected mountain huts accent the trail. Nevertheless, the route is challenging and is not to be underestimated. There is an easy hike uphill through rain forest with a spectacular view of the snow-covered peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The trail crosses through an alpine desert to the Kibo Saddle.

Highlights

Highlights on your Kilimanjaro Tour

• also known as Coca-Cola route
• the only route with overnight in huts
• up and down you walk the same path
• well-maintained trails
• heavily frequented during the months of Jan, Feb, Jul, Aug and Sep
• sale of drinks in the huts
• duration of normal Route is 5 days, it is recommended to schedule 6 days
• 69 km

Additional programs to this tour

Requirements at Kilimanjaro

A high level of endurance, surefootedness and a tolerance of height untill 5900 m is needed for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Per day the walking houres are between 5 – 7 (on summit usually 12 to 14 hours). The temperatures can drop to -20 degrees in the summit area. The mental and physical preparation for this tour is essential..

ITINERY AND HIGHLIGHTS

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Day 1

Moshi – Park Gate Marangu 1840 m – Mandara Hut 2720 m

From Moshi, you travel about an hour to the Marangu Gate. After the luggage is stowed away, the ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro begins in the late morning. The trail runs through the rain forest belt that surrounds Kiliminjaro. After approximately three hours, you arrive at the Mandara Hut. There is an option to hike to the Moundi Crater, which
is situated close to camp. There is an overnight stay in the mountain huts. Occasionally, based on the size of the group, there is more than one person to a room.

Day 2

Mandara Hut 2720 m – Horombo Hut 3725 m

Through the rainforest, you continue your ascent. The trail continues through increasingly sparse trees and bushes into moorlands. Eventually, the trail winds itself through high grass and a view of Kibo appears. After four to five hours of hiking, you arrive at the Horombo Hut in the afternoon.

Day 3

Horombo Hut 3725 m – Kibo Hut 4703 m

The landscape changes into a volcanic desert. The Glaciers of Kibo are placed in front of you and behind you, the jarring rocks of the Mawenzi. At about 4300 meters, you pass the last water source and make your way across the desert that is scattered with lava stone. After five to six hours, you arrive at the Kibo Hut where you will rest for the night.

Day 4 - Summitday!

Kibo Hut 4703 m – Uhuru Peak 5895 m – Horombo Hut 3725 m
Today is the crucial day! Around midnight you break for the summit. After two hours of hiking in the dark, you arrive at the Hans Meyer cave. The route is very steep and scattered with volcanic ashes and lava rock. Shortly before daybreak you make it to Gilman’s Point (5715m). In the east, the sky begins to illuminate until finally the top of the red sun becomes visible. Sunbeams unveil the volcanic landscape: the sun streams illuminate the edge of the crater, continue to outline the Ratzel glacier, and highlight the Uhuru Peak (5895m) until finally there is a full view of the highest mountain of Africa: Kilimanjaro. Over the lava fields, you descend to the Horombo Hut for an overnight stay. The travel time of this stage amounts to ten to twelve hours.

Day 5

Horombo Hut 3725 m – Marangu Park Gate 1840m – Moshi 950 m

It takes a leisurely walk of five to six hours to arrive at the park gate from the Horombo hut. Have a look back
to Kibo, while going down and greeting just arrived mountaineers. From the gate you are returned to Moshi.